Ready to Fish Like a Pro? Book Your Lake Ontario Trip!
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target Walleye, Salmon, and multiple Trout species on Lake OntarioExpert captain provides guidance for all skill levels aboardSmall group experience accommodates up to four guests maximum
Lake Ontario's got some of the best fishing in the Great Lakes, and with My Way Charters, you're looking at a full day chasing after some seriously impressive fish. We're talking Walleye, multiple salmon species, and trout that'll test your drag system. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and can put you on fish whether you've been casting lines for decades or just picked up your first rod. With space for up to four anglers, this is your chance to get out there and see what all the fuss is about when it comes to Lake Ontario fishing.
You'll be spending the day working the deeper waters where the big fish like to hang out. Lake Ontario's structure and thermoclines create perfect holding spots for our target species, and we'll be moving around to find where they're biting that day. The captain comes equipped with all the gear you'll need, plus he'll walk you through proper techniques if you're new to Great Lakes fishing. Don't worry about bringing tackle – we've got everything from downriggers to planer boards ready to go. The only thing you absolutely need to handle beforehand is your New York fishing license. You can grab one online or at most bait shops, but don't show up without it because the DEC doesn't mess around with enforcement on these waters.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about getting your bait down to where the fish are holding, which usually means working depths between 40 and 120 feet depending on the season and species we're targeting. We'll be running downriggers most of the day – these let us get our lines down deep while maintaining precise depth control. You'll also see us deploy planer boards to spread our lines out and cover more water. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders so we can mark schools and structure as we move. Most of our presentations involve trolling with spoons, flasher-fly combos, or plugs that mimic the baitfish these predators are feeding on. The captain will handle the technical stuff like speed control and line placement, but you'll get hands-on experience with the fighting and landing once we hook up.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Ontario, and for good reason – they're abundant, fight well, and taste fantastic on the dinner table. These golden beauties typically run between 3-8 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing into double digits. Spring and fall are prime time for Walleye, when they move into shallower water and become more aggressive. They're structure-oriented fish, so we'll be working drop-offs, humps, and rocky areas where they like to ambush baitfish. What makes Walleye special is their consistency – even when other species are being finicky, you can usually count on putting a few 'eyes in the cooler.
Coho Salmon bring serious fight to the table, typically ranging from 8-15 pounds of pure silver muscle. These fish are absolute rockets when hooked, known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Peak Coho action happens during their spring and fall migrations, when they're feeding heavily before spawning. They're often found in the top 60 feet of water, chasing schools of alewives and smelt. Landing a fresh Coho is like wrestling with a chrome torpedo – they'll test your reflexes and give you an adrenaline rush that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Steelhead Trout are the Great Lakes' version of ocean-run rainbow trout, and they're legendary for their fighting ability. These fish can range from 5-20 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Steelhead are most active during cooler months, often holding in deeper water during summer heat. They're incredibly strong fish with serious stamina – a good Steelhead will take you into your backing and make multiple long runs before you get it to the boat. The chrome-bright fish fresh from deep water are absolute gems, both for the fight and the table.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, with mature fish regularly hitting 20-30 pounds or more. These are the fish that break rods and burn out reels if you're not prepared. King salmon prefer deeper, colder water and are often found near the thermocline where temperatures drop significantly. They're most active during spring and fall, though dedicated anglers can find them year-round in the right spots. When you hook a big King, be ready for a battle that can last 20 minutes or more – they're powerful, stubborn fish that don't give up easily. Landing a trophy Chinook is a legitimate achievement that'll have you grinning for weeks.
Lake Trout are the natives here, and they're perfectly adapted to Ontario's deep, cold water. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with 10-20 pounders being fairly common and true monsters pushing 30+ pounds still swimming in the depths. Lakers are typically found in the deepest water, often 80-150 feet down where temperatures stay consistently cold. They're not as flashy as salmon when hooked, but they're incredibly strong and stubborn, using their weight and the deep water to their advantage. Lake Trout have a prehistoric look to them and represent the original gamefish of these waters – there's something special about connecting with a fish whose ancestors have been here for thousands of years.
Lake Ontario fishing with My Way Charters gives you access to some of the most productive fishing waters in North America. Our experienced captain, quality equipment, and prime fishing locations create the perfect setup for a memorable day on the water. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with eating fish or chase after a personal best, these waters deliver consistently throughout the season. The combination of multiple species, excellent fishing techniques, and professional guidance makes this a top-rated choice for both local ang
Step aboard this well-equipped 1998 Sea Ray Express cruiser, your floating fishing headquarters on Lake Ontario's productive waters. Twin 360HP engines deliver smooth runs to prime fishing spots at 36 knots, getting you to where the Walleye, Salmon, and Trout are biting faster. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS and radar keep you on course even when lake conditions get murky. Between fishing sessions, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator or icebox, and tune into the multimedia system. This boat sleeps 4 comfortably with a full galley, bathroom, and sleeping quarters - perfect for extended fishing adventures. Whether you're trolling for Lakers in deep water or casting for Steelhead near structure, this Sea Ray handles Lake Ontario's changing conditions with confidence. Your captain knows these waters and will put you on fish while sharing local techniques. Just bring your license and get ready to fill the cooler!
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario - literally called "King Salmon" for good reason. These bruisers commonly hit 15-30 pounds and are built for long, crushing runs that'll test both your tackle and your patience. They prefer the deeper, cooler waters, often 40-80 feet down, and are most active during low-light conditions like early morning or evening. What makes chinook fishing special is the sheer power - when a big king takes your bait, you know it immediately. The reddish-pink meat is outstanding for smoking or grilling. Spring and fall offer the best chances when they're feeding aggressively. Since they're sensitive to light, they stay deep most of the day. Here's something that works well: when downrigging for kings, try staggering your lines at different depths. These fish often suspend at specific temperatures, and having multiple presentations increases your odds of finding that sweet spot.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are pure excitement on the water - these silver rockets average 8-12 pounds but can jump clean out of the water multiple times during a fight. They cruise the open waters of Lake Ontario, typically found 20-60 feet down following bait schools. Spring and fall runs offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. What sets coho apart is their acrobatic nature; they'll leap, twist, and make screaming runs that test your drag system. The bright orange meat is fantastic on the grill too. These fish are aggressive feeders, hitting spoons, plugs, and flies with authority. Here's a local trick: when trolling for coho, try running your lures just above the thermocline where the water temperature drops. They often suspend right in that zone, and a downrigger set 5 feet higher than your fish finder reading can make all the difference.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water specialists of Lake Ontario, living in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake year-round. These char family members grow large - 15-40 pounders aren't unusual, with their grey-green coloring and cream-colored spots. They're typically found suspended over deep basins, sometimes 100+ feet down in summer. What makes lakers interesting is they're long-lived, slow-growing fish that put up a steady, powerful fight rather than flashy runs. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked. Spring right after ice-out and fall are best when they move shallower. Since they live so deep, jigging is the most effective method - you need to get down to their level. Here's a key tip: when jigging for lake trout, don't overwork your presentation. These fish prefer a slow, methodical approach. Drop your jig to bottom, then work it 5-10 feet off the bottom with subtle lifts.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have lived the ocean life - bigger, stronger, and more silver. These fish average 24 inches but can push 45 inches, and they fight like they're twice their size. In Lake Ontario, you'll find them cruising mid-depths during summer, but they come shallow in spring and fall. What makes steelhead special is their stamina; they'll make long, powerful runs and have this habit of jumping when you least expect it. The meat is excellent - firm and flavorful. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're most active. They're known for their migratory behavior, moving constantly to follow food sources. My go-to tip: when targeting steelhead, use lighter line than you think you need. They're line-shy, and 8-10 lb test often outfishes heavier tackle, even though these fish can easily break it if your drag isn't set right.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of Lake Ontario's most sought-after fish, running 12-30 inches and known for their golden color and distinctive glassy eyes. These nocturnal feeders hang around rocky structure and drop-offs during the day, then move shallow to hunt at dusk. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active. What makes walleye special is they're arguably the best-tasting freshwater fish you'll catch - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They put up a decent fight too, though they're more about steady runs than flashy jumps. Pro tip: when jigging for them, keep your bait moving slowly along bottom structure. Walleye hate sitting still, so a subtle lift-and-drop motion with live bait or soft plastics often triggers strikes when straight retrieves won't.
Wolcott, NY